Cardinals had second-most 1st-round draft picks on roster in 2017

The Arizona Cardinals can be criticized for not getting nearly the impact they have needed from their first-round draft picks, and the results of 2017 were disappointing, but apparently it wasn’t for a lack of trying to build a talented roster.

According to ESPN, the Cardinals had 11 former first-round picks on their roster in 2017, which tied them for second in the league with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders.

Being a first-round pick does not guarantee success in the league. However, it often shows the level of supposed talent of a player. Being selected in the first round means they had the best mix of athletic ability, production and potential.

Looking ahead to 2018, they lost Palmer and Peterson, but they have added quarterback Sam Bradford, guard Justin Pugh and tackle Andre Smith. Plus, they drafted Josh Rosen in the first round in this year’s draft.

With what appears will be 14 former first-round picks on the roster in 2018, they might lead the league in that category. The Carolina Panthers led the league in 2017 with 12.